The Economic Impact of Tariffs on Consumer Goods Prices

The Economic Impact of Tariffs on Consumer Goods Prices

The Economic Impact of Tariffs on Consumer Goods Prices

Tariffs, often described as a form of specialized sales tax, have been a focal point of economic policy debates, particularly in the context of their impact on consumer goods prices. The imposition of tariffs can lead to a direct increase in the cost of imported goods, which often translates into higher prices for consumers. This phenomenon has been observed in various instances, such as the tariffs imposed by the Trump administration in 2018 on goods from China and other countries, which were largely maintained by the Biden administration (Snopes).

The economic consensus suggests that the “pass-through” effect of tariffs to consumer prices is nearly complete, meaning that consumers bear the brunt of these additional costs. For instance, studies have shown that tariffs on washing machines led to significant price increases not only for the machines themselves but also for related products like dryers, even when they were not directly subject to tariffs (American Action Forum). This indicates that domestic producers may also raise their prices in response to increased import costs, further exacerbating the impact on consumers.

Moreover, tariffs can contribute to inflationary pressures within the economy. While tariffs create a one-off rise in the price level, they can facilitate profit-led inflation, where businesses use the pretext of tariffs to justify price hikes beyond the actual cost increase (UBS). This can lead to a cycle of rising prices and wages, particularly if tariffs are broad-based and affect a wide range of goods.

Despite these impacts, some argue that tariffs can provide temporary protection for domestic industries by making foreign goods more expensive, thereby encouraging the consumption of locally produced alternatives. However, this protection can come at the cost of reduced efficiency and innovation, as domestic producers face less competitive pressure (Investopedia).

In conclusion, while tariffs are intended to protect domestic industries and generate government revenue, their effect on consumer prices is predominantly inflationary, leading to higher costs for consumers and potential economic inefficiencies. This report will delve deeper into the mechanisms through which tariffs influence consumer goods prices and explore the broader economic implications of such trade policies.

Table of Contents

Open Table of Contents

Impact of Tariffs on Consumer Prices

Tariff Pass-Through to Consumer Prices

The concept of tariff pass-through refers to the extent to which the cost of tariffs is transferred from importers to consumers. Research indicates that the pass-through of tariffs to consumer prices is nearly complete, meaning that tariffs imposed on imported goods are largely borne by consumers in the form of higher prices. For instance, a study by the National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER) found that U.S. tariffs have been almost entirely passed on to U.S. importers and consumers. This finding is consistent across several studies and suggests that consumers ultimately bear the economic burden of tariffs through increased prices for imported goods.

Sector-Specific Impacts on Consumer Prices

…tariffs on washing machines imposed in 2018 led to a 12% increase in their prices, equivalent to an $86 increase per unit, as reported by the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC).

The impact of tariffs on consumer prices can vary significantly across different sectors. For example, tariffs on washing machines imposed in 2018 led to a 12% increase in their prices, equivalent to an $86 increase per unit, as reported by the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC). This increase was directly attributed to the tariffs, and U.S. consumers paid approximately $1.5 billion extra annually for these products. Similarly, tariffs on steel and aluminum have led to increased costs for products that rely on these materials, further illustrating the sector-specific nature of tariff impacts.

Inflationary Effects of Tariffs

Tariffs can contribute to inflation by increasing the cost of imported goods, which in turn raises the overall price level in the economy. According to a report by Bloomberg Economics, the imposition of new tariffs could lead to a surge in the Personal Consumption Expenditure Price Index to 3.7% by the end of 2025. This is significantly higher than the Federal Reserve’s inflation target of 2%, indicating that tariffs can have substantial inflationary effects. If inflation exceeds the target, the central bank may need to raise interest rates to curb inflation, further impacting economic growth.

Tariffs as a Regressive Tax

Tariffs are often described as a regressive tax because they disproportionately affect lower-income households. The Peterson Institute for International Economics estimated that new tariffs proposed by the Trump administration would lower the incomes of Americans, with the poorest fifth experiencing a 4% reduction in income compared to a 2% reduction for the wealthiest fifth. This regressive nature of tariffs means that they can exacerbate income inequality by placing a larger financial burden on those least able to afford it.

Strategic Responses by Businesses

In response to tariffs, businesses may adopt various strategies to mitigate their impact on consumer prices. Some companies, like Stanley Black & Decker, have moved their supply chains to countries with lower tariffs, such as Mexico, to avoid passing on the full cost of tariffs to consumers (Forbes). Other businesses may choose to absorb some of the tariff costs to remain competitive, although this can lead to squeezed profit margins. Additionally, some domestic producers may opportunistically raise their prices to match the increased cost of imported goods, further contributing to higher consumer prices.

Profit-Led Inflation and Consumer Perception

There is a risk of profit-led inflation, where businesses increase prices by more than the tariff amount, leveraging consumer perceptions that a tariff justifies a price increase. According to UBS, consumers may perceive a 10% tariff as justifying a 10% price increase, even though the actual increase should be less. This perception allows wholesalers and retailers to improve profit margins, leading to higher-than-necessary price increases and exacerbating inflationary pressures.

Long-Term Economic Implications

The long-term economic implications of tariffs include reduced economic growth and potential job losses. The Tax Foundation estimated that the Trump-Biden tariffs could reduce long-run GDP by 0.2%, decrease the capital stock by 0.1%, and result in the loss of 142,000 full-time equivalent jobs. These impacts highlight the broader economic costs of tariffs beyond immediate price increases, affecting overall economic productivity and employment levels.

U.S. households could lose up to $78 billion a year in spending power due to tariffs, leading to decreased demand for goods and services and potential economic slowdown.

Consumer Behavioral Changes

As tariffs increase the cost of goods, consumers may alter their purchasing behavior, opting for cheaper alternatives or reducing consumption altogether. This change in consumer behavior can have ripple effects throughout the economy, impacting businesses that rely on consumer spending. According to Business Insider, U.S. households could lose up to $78 billion a year in spending power due to tariffs, leading to decreased demand for goods and services and potential economic slowdown.

Conclusion

While tariffs are intended to protect domestic industries, their impact on consumer prices and the broader economy can be significant. The near-complete pass-through of tariffs to consumer prices, sector-specific price increases, inflationary effects, and regressive nature of tariffs all contribute to the economic burden on consumers. Businesses may adopt various strategies to mitigate these impacts, but the long-term economic implications, including reduced growth and job losses, underscore the complex trade-offs involved in tariff policy. As consumers adjust their behavior in response to higher prices, the overall economic landscape may shift, highlighting the need for careful consideration of tariff policies and their broader economic effects.

Economic Consequences of Tariffs on Consumer Goods

Tariff-Induced Supply Chain Disruptions

Tariffs can significantly disrupt global supply chains, leading to increased costs for businesses and consumers. When tariffs are imposed, companies often need to reevaluate their supply chains to minimize costs, which can involve shifting production to different countries or regions. This reorganization can be costly and time-consuming, leading to temporary shortages and increased prices for consumers. For example, the 2018 U.S. tariffs on Chinese goods led many companies to relocate their supply chains to countries like Vietnam and Mexico, resulting in increased logistics costs and delays.

Unlike the previously discussed sector-specific impacts, which focused on direct price increases, this section emphasizes the broader economic effects of supply chain disruptions caused by tariffs. These disruptions can lead to inefficiencies and increased operational costs, which are often passed on to consumers in the form of higher prices.

Effects on Domestic Production and Employment

Tariffs are often intended to protect domestic industries by making imported goods more expensive, thereby encouraging consumers to buy domestically produced products. However, the reality is more complex. While some domestic industries may benefit from reduced competition, others suffer due to increased costs of imported raw materials and components. For instance, tariffs on steel and aluminum have increased costs for U.S. manufacturers that rely on these materials, such as the automotive and construction industries. This has led to higher production costs and, in some cases, job losses as companies struggle to maintain profitability (CBO report).

This section differs from the previous discussion on long-term economic implications by focusing specifically on the immediate effects of tariffs on domestic production and employment. It highlights how tariffs can lead to job losses in industries that rely on imported materials, counteracting any potential job gains in protected industries.

Impact on Consumer Choice and Product Variety

Tariffs can reduce the variety of products available to consumers by making imported goods more expensive and less competitive compared to domestic alternatives. This reduction in choice can have a significant impact on consumer welfare, as consumers may have to settle for products that do not fully meet their needs or preferences. The 2018 tariffs on Chinese goods, for example, led to a decrease in the availability of certain electronic products and household appliances, forcing consumers to either pay higher prices or choose from a limited selection.

While the existing content on consumer behavioral changes discusses how consumers might alter their purchasing habits in response to higher prices, this section focuses on the reduction in product variety and its impact on consumer welfare. It underscores the loss of consumer surplus due to decreased availability of imported goods.

Retaliatory Tariffs and Global Trade Tensions

Tariffs often lead to retaliatory measures from affected countries, escalating trade tensions and creating a cycle of protectionism. These retaliatory tariffs can further increase costs for consumers and businesses, as they affect a wider range of products and industries. For example, in response to U.S. tariffs, China imposed tariffs on American agricultural products, leading to decreased exports and financial strain on U.S. farmers (Princeton Economics).

This section expands on the concept of retaliatory tariffs, which was not covered in the existing content. It highlights the broader geopolitical and economic consequences of tariff wars, emphasizing the interconnectedness of global trade and the potential for widespread economic disruption.

Macroeconomic Effects of Tariff Policies

Tariff policies can have significant macroeconomic effects, influencing key indicators such as GDP, inflation, and trade balances. The imposition of tariffs can lead to increased inflationary pressures as the cost of imported goods rises, contributing to higher overall price levels in the economy. Additionally, tariffs can negatively impact GDP by reducing trade volumes and increasing production costs for businesses (IMF Working Papers).

This section provides a comprehensive analysis of the macroeconomic effects of tariffs, complementing the existing content on inflationary effects by exploring additional dimensions such as GDP and trade balances. It offers a broader perspective on how tariff policies can influence the overall economic environment, beyond their immediate impact on consumer prices.

Pass-Through Effects of Tariffs to Consumers

Tariff Pass-Through Mechanisms

The mechanism of tariff pass-through refers to the process by which the costs of tariffs imposed on imported goods are transferred to consumers. This process is complex and involves several stages, including importation, distribution, and retail. The degree to which tariffs are passed through to consumers can vary based on factors such as the elasticity of demand for the affected goods, the competitive landscape of the market, and the pricing strategies of firms involved in the supply chain.

Research indicates that the pass-through of tariffs to consumer prices is often nearly complete, meaning that the majority of the cost increase due to tariffs is ultimately borne by consumers. For instance, a study by Amiti et al. (2019) found that tariffs imposed during the US-China trade war resulted in significant price increases for consumers, with a complete pass-through observed at the border. This finding is consistent across several studies and underscores the economic burden placed on consumers when tariffs are implemented.

Factors Influencing Tariff Pass-Through

While the concept of tariff pass-through is well-established, the actual degree of pass-through can vary significantly depending on several key factors. These include:

  1. Market Structure: The level of competition in the market can influence how much of the tariff cost is passed on to consumers. In highly competitive markets, firms may absorb some of the tariff costs to maintain market share, whereas in less competitive markets, firms may pass on the full cost to consumers.

  2. Elasticity of Demand: The elasticity of demand for the affected goods plays a crucial role in determining the extent of pass-through. If demand is inelastic, consumers are less sensitive to price changes, and firms are more likely to pass on the full cost of tariffs. Conversely, if demand is elastic, firms may absorb some of the costs to avoid losing customers.

  3. Supply Chain Dynamics: The complexity and length of the supply chain can also impact the degree of pass-through. Longer supply chains with multiple intermediaries may result in higher pass-through rates as each intermediary adds a markup to cover their increased costs.

  4. Product Differentiation: Products that are highly differentiated or branded may experience a lower pass-through rate as firms have more pricing power and can choose to absorb some of the costs to maintain brand loyalty.

  5. Exchange Rate Movements: Fluctuations in exchange rates can also affect the pass-through of tariffs. A depreciation of the domestic currency can exacerbate the impact of tariffs by increasing the cost of imports, leading to higher pass-through rates.

Case Studies of Tariff Pass-Through

Washing Machines

The tariffs imposed on washing machines in 2018 provide a clear example of tariff pass-through to consumer prices. According to a study by the Boston Fed, the tariffs led to a nearly complete pass-through to retail prices, resulting in a significant increase in the cost of washing machines for consumers. This case highlights how tariffs on specific consumer goods can lead to direct price increases, affecting consumer spending and behavior.

Steel and Aluminum

The tariffs on steel and aluminum, also imposed in 2018, had a broader impact on consumer prices due to their role as inputs in various industries. The International Monetary Fund reported that these tariffs resulted in increased costs for products that rely on these materials, such as automobiles and appliances. The pass-through of these tariffs was not only seen in the final consumer prices but also in the increased production costs for domestic manufacturers, which were subsequently passed on to consumers.

Implications for Consumer Spending

The pass-through of tariffs to consumer prices has significant implications for consumer spending and overall economic activity. As tariffs increase the cost of goods, consumers may alter their purchasing behavior, opting for cheaper alternatives or reducing consumption altogether. This change in consumer behavior can have ripple effects throughout the economy, impacting businesses that rely on consumer spending.

For example, the Council of Economic Advisers estimates that a broad implementation of tariffs could raise the inflation rate by about 0.75 percentage points, leading to decreased purchasing power for consumers. This reduction in spending power can result in decreased demand for goods and services, potentially leading to an economic slowdown.

Long-Term Economic Effects

While the immediate effects of tariff pass-through are often seen in increased consumer prices, the long-term economic effects can be more complex. Tariffs can lead to shifts in production and consumption patterns, affecting the overall efficiency and competitiveness of the economy.

  1. Production Shifts: Tariffs can incentivize domestic production by making imported goods more expensive. However, this shift can also lead to inefficiencies if domestic producers are not as competitive or efficient as their foreign counterparts.

  2. Investment Decisions: The increased costs associated with tariffs can impact investment decisions by firms. Higher input costs may lead to reduced profitability and lower levels of investment in new technologies or capacity expansion.

  3. Trade Balances: Tariffs can affect trade balances by reducing imports and potentially increasing exports if domestic producers become more competitive. However, retaliatory tariffs from other countries can negate these effects and lead to trade tensions.

  4. Income Distribution: The regressive nature of tariffs means that lower-income households, which spend a larger share of their income on consumption, are disproportionately affected. This can exacerbate income inequality and reduce overall economic welfare.

  5. Global Supply Chains: Tariffs can disrupt global supply chains, leading to increased costs and inefficiencies. Firms may need to reconfigure their supply chains to minimize costs, which can be costly and time-consuming.

Policy Considerations

Given the significant pass-through effects of tariffs to consumer prices and the broader economic implications, policymakers must carefully consider the design and implementation of tariff policies. Strategic targeting of tariffs, consideration of potential retaliatory measures, and assessment of the long-term economic impacts are crucial to minimizing the negative effects on consumers and the economy.

Policymakers should also consider complementary measures, such as targeted tax relief or subsidies, to mitigate the impact of tariffs on lower-income households and ensure that the benefits of tariff protection are equitably distributed across the economy.

In conclusion, while tariffs are often implemented to protect domestic industries, their pass-through effects on consumer prices and the broader economy can be significant. Understanding the mechanisms and factors influencing tariff pass-through is essential for designing effective trade policies that balance the interests of consumers, producers, and the overall economy.

Inflationary Effects of Tariffs on Consumer Goods

Inflationary Dynamics Triggered by Tariffs

Tariffs, essentially taxes on imported goods, can have a profound impact on inflation by increasing the cost of goods and services. This section explores how tariffs contribute to inflation beyond the immediate price hikes, focusing on the broader economic mechanisms at play.

Tariffs increase the cost of imported goods, which is often passed on to consumers in the form of higher prices. This direct effect can lead to a rise in the overall price level, contributing to inflation. For instance, the imposition of tariffs on consumer goods can lead to an increase in the Consumer Price Index (CPI) as businesses adjust their pricing strategies to account for higher import costs (Liberty Street Economics).

Moreover, tariffs can lead to inflationary pressures through indirect channels. When tariffs are imposed, domestic producers may increase their prices, capitalizing on reduced competition from foreign goods. This can lead to a broader increase in prices across the economy, as seen in the case of tariffs on steel, where domestic producers raised prices in response to higher import costs (NBC News).

Supply Chain and Input Cost Inflation

Tariffs can disrupt global supply chains, leading to increased costs for businesses that rely on imported inputs. This section examines how these disruptions contribute to inflationary pressures by increasing production costs and reducing supply chain efficiency.

When tariffs are imposed, businesses may need to reconfigure their supply chains to minimize costs, which can be both costly and time-consuming. This reorganization can lead to inefficiencies and increased operational costs, which are often passed on to consumers in the form of higher prices. For example, the 2018 U.S. tariffs on Chinese goods led many companies to relocate their supply chains to countries like Vietnam and Mexico, resulting in increased logistics costs and delays (The Hartford).

Additionally, tariffs can increase the cost of inputs for domestic producers, leading to higher production costs. This is particularly evident in industries that rely heavily on imported materials, such as the automotive and construction sectors. As input costs rise, producers may pass these costs on to consumers, contributing to inflationary pressures (Tax Foundation).

Profit-Led Inflation and Market Dynamics

Tariffs can create opportunities for profit-led inflation, where businesses increase prices by more than the tariff amount, leveraging consumer perceptions that a tariff justifies a price increase. This section explores how market dynamics and consumer perceptions contribute to inflationary pressures.

In reality, businesses frequently use the imposition of tariffs as an opportunity to raise prices beyond what is justified by the cost increase, padding their profit margins.

Consumers often expect a proportional increase in prices when tariffs are imposed, believing that a 10% tariff should result in a corresponding 10% rise in the cost of goods. However, tariffs are levied on the import price rather than the final consumer price, meaning that the actual impact on retail prices should be far lower. For instance, a 10% tariff applied to the import price—often much less than half the consumer price—should translate to an increase of less than 5% at the retail level (UBS).

In reality, businesses frequently use the imposition of tariffs as an opportunity to raise prices beyond what is justified by the cost increase, padding their profit margins. This practice can exacerbate inflationary pressures, as consumers face higher-than-necessary price increases (Finance Yahoo).

Wage-Price Spiral and Inflationary Expectations

Tariffs can contribute to a wage-price spiral, where rising prices lead to higher wage demands, further fueling inflation. This section examines how inflationary expectations and labor market dynamics interact with tariffs to create a self-reinforcing cycle of inflation.

As tariffs increase the cost of living, workers may demand higher wages to maintain their purchasing power. This is more likely if the tariffs are broad-based and affect a wide range of goods and services. Higher wage demands can increase production costs for businesses, leading to further price increases and perpetuating the cycle of inflation (UBS).

Inflationary expectations can also play a significant role in this process. If consumers and businesses expect prices to continue rising due to tariffs, they may adjust their behavior accordingly, leading to a self-fulfilling prophecy. For example, businesses may preemptively raise prices in anticipation of higher costs, while consumers may accelerate their purchases to avoid future price increases, both of which can contribute to inflationary pressures (Investing.com).

Policy Responses and Economic Implications

The inflationary effects of tariffs can have significant implications for monetary policy and economic growth. This section explores how policymakers respond to tariff-induced inflation and the broader economic consequences of these policy actions.

When inflation rises above target levels due to tariffs, central banks may need to raise interest rates to curb inflationary pressures. This can have a dampening effect on economic growth, as higher interest rates increase borrowing costs for businesses and consumers, reducing investment and spending. For example, a Bloomberg Economics report predicted that the imposition of new tariffs could lead to a surge in the Personal Consumption Expenditure Price Index to 3.7% by the end of 2025, prompting potential interest rate hikes by the Federal Reserve (Snopes).

Additionally, the inflationary effects of tariffs can impact fiscal policy, as governments may need to implement measures to mitigate the economic burden on consumers and businesses. This can include targeted subsidies or tax relief for affected industries, which can have implications for government budgets and fiscal sustainability (UBS).

Overall, the inflationary effects of tariffs on consumer goods are complex and multifaceted, involving direct price increases, supply chain disruptions, profit-led inflation, wage-price spirals, and policy responses. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for policymakers and businesses to navigate the challenges posed by tariffs and their impact on the economy.

Tariffs and Domestic Production

Tariff Impact on Domestic Supply Chains

Tariffs can significantly alter domestic supply chains by increasing the cost of imported materials and components. For instance, the imposition of tariffs on steel and aluminum has led to increased costs for industries reliant on these materials, such as automotive and construction sectors (NBC News). This section will explore how these increased costs can lead to changes in supply chain strategies, including the potential for reshoring or diversifying suppliers.

While previous sections have addressed the broader economic implications of tariffs, this section focuses specifically on the adjustments within supply chains that businesses may undertake to mitigate tariff impacts. Companies might seek to source materials domestically or from countries not subject to tariffs, thereby altering existing supply chain dynamics.

Domestic Production Incentives and Challenges

Tariffs are often implemented with the intention of incentivizing domestic production by making imported goods more expensive. This can create opportunities for domestic industries to capture a larger market share. However, the increased costs of inputs due to tariffs can also pose significant challenges. For example, while some sectors may benefit from reduced foreign competition, others may struggle with higher production costs, which can offset potential gains (Investopedia).

This section examines the dual nature of tariffs as both a protective measure for domestic industries and a potential source of increased costs. It highlights the complexity of balancing these effects to achieve desired economic outcomes.

Tariff-Induced Production Shifts

Tariffs can lead to shifts in production patterns as companies adjust to the new cost structures. For instance, industries that rely heavily on imported goods may need to re-evaluate their production locations and strategies. This could involve relocating production facilities to countries with lower tariffs or investing in domestic production capabilities (Tax Foundation).

This section delves into the strategic decisions businesses face in response to tariffs, contrasting with previous discussions on long-term economic implications by focusing on immediate production shifts. It explores how these shifts can affect the overall efficiency and competitiveness of domestic industries.

Effects on Domestic Employment

The impact of tariffs on domestic employment is multifaceted. While tariffs may protect jobs in certain industries by reducing foreign competition, they can also lead to job losses in sectors that rely on imported materials. For example, the tariffs on Chinese goods imposed in 2018 resulted in a net negative effect on manufacturing jobs, as increased production costs outweighed the benefits of reduced competition (EconoFact).

This section provides a detailed analysis of how tariffs can influence employment levels across different sectors, building on previous content by offering a nuanced view of the trade-offs involved in tariff policy.

Domestic Market Dynamics and Consumer Prices

Tariffs can alter domestic market dynamics by affecting the relative prices of domestic and imported goods. As tariffs increase the cost of imports, domestic producers may raise their prices to match the new market conditions. This can lead to higher consumer prices, as domestic producers capitalize on reduced competition from foreign goods (Liberty Street Economics).

This section examines the interplay between tariffs, domestic market dynamics, and consumer prices, highlighting the potential for profit-led inflation. It contrasts with previous sections by focusing on the specific mechanisms through which tariffs influence domestic pricing strategies.

Tariff-Induced Innovation and Investment

Tariffs can also drive innovation and investment in domestic industries as companies seek to improve their competitiveness. Faced with higher input costs, businesses may invest in new technologies or processes to enhance efficiency and reduce reliance on imported materials. This can lead to increased innovation and potentially offset some of the negative effects of tariffs (Investopedia).

This section explores the potential for tariffs to act as a catalyst for innovation, offering a different perspective from previous content that focused on the immediate economic impacts. It highlights the opportunities for growth and development within domestic industries in response to tariff-induced challenges.

Conclusion

The research report comprehensively examines the effects of tariffs on consumer goods, highlighting that tariffs generally lead to higher consumer prices due to a near-complete pass-through of costs from importers to consumers. This phenomenon is evident across various sectors, with notable examples such as the 12% price increase in washing machines following the 2018 tariffs. The inflationary pressures induced by tariffs are significant, contributing to an increase in the overall price level and potentially leading to a surge in the Personal Consumption Expenditure Price Index, as projected by Bloomberg Economics. Additionally, tariffs are identified as a regressive tax, disproportionately affecting lower-income households, which exacerbates income inequality.

The implications of these findings are multifaceted. While tariffs aim to protect domestic industries, they often result in increased costs for consumers and can lead to broader economic consequences such as reduced GDP growth and job losses, as estimated by the Tax Foundation. The report suggests that policymakers should carefully consider the design and implementation of tariff policies, taking into account their inflationary effects and the potential for retaliatory measures that could escalate trade tensions. Strategic responses by businesses, such as relocating supply chains or absorbing costs, highlight the need for adaptive strategies to mitigate tariff impacts. Future policy considerations might include targeted tax relief or subsidies to alleviate the burden on lower-income households and ensure equitable distribution of the economic benefits of tariffs.

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